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The influence of age and breed of cow on colostrum indicators of suckled beef calves

Abstract

Rearing a calf to weaning is a key measure of performance in a beef breeding cow herd. Adequate intake of colostral antibodies
by the calf in the first few hours of life is important for passive transfer of immunity, and so is beneficial for calf survival. This
experiment aimed to examine the role of udder conformation, maternal age and breed-cross on the colostral status of suckled
calves. Udder conformation of Angus, Angus-cross-Friesian, Angus-cross-Jersey and Angus-cross-Kiwicross cows was scored
according to Animal Evaluation Limited and BreedPlan standards, and colostral status of calves was determined based on gamma
glutamyltransferase activity, immunoglobulin G and total protein concentrations at 24-48 hours of age. Udder conformation was
similar (P>0.05) among breed-crosses except Angus cows had looser front udder attachment, lower rear udder attachment and less
desirable udders overall than Angus-cross-dairy cows (P<0.05). Most udder conformation scores did not affect colostral status of
calves. The exception was teat placement score, for which more outward-pointing teats were associated with improved colostrum
status of calves (P<0.05). Survival to weaning was greater for calves with adequate compared with inadequate colostral status
(P<0.001).

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For over seventy years the New Zealand Society of Animal Production has played an important role as a forum fostering research in all areas of animal production including production systems, nutrition, meat science, animal welfare, wool science, animal breeding and genetics.